Abstract
Microalgae are the primary producers of carbon in marine ecosystems, fixing carbon and subsequently generating various biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Most importantly, microalgae are the generators and main suppliers of ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3PUFA) in the marine ecosystem, which have a fundamental importance for the functioning and quality of the whole marine food web. A meta-analysis of over 160 fatty acid profiles of 7 marine phytoplankton phyla reveals not only a phyla-specific, but also a highly class-specific PUFA production of marine phytoplankton. The highest EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid; 20:5ω3) production per total fatty acids was found in 2 classes of Haptophyta and in Ochrophyta, while Dinophyta and the Haptophyte Emiliana huxleyi show the highest production of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid; 22:6ω3). An important precursor for EPA, Stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4ω3) is found in high proportions in Cryptophyta and the Chlorophta class Pyramimonadophyceae. Per unit of carbon, Chlorophyta and Cyanobacteria were the poorest producers of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA). The remaining phyla had a similar HUFA contribution per unit of carbon but with different compositions. The nutritional and environmental effects on the phytoplankton PUFA production is summarized and shows a lowering of the PUFA content under stressful environmental conditions.
Highlights
The basis of the marine pelagic ecosystem lies with the primary producers, the unicellular phytoplankton that fix inorganic carbon (CO2 ) with the aid of sunlight
This review focuses on the chemical composition of marine phytoplankton as a nutritional source for marine zooplankton that could limit their reproduction and survival and affect the efficiency of the entire marine food web
I will present the results of a meta-analysis of fatty acid profiles in various phytoplankton groups and summarize which environmental parameters affect the biochemical pathways of fatty acid synthesis
Summary
The basis of the marine pelagic ecosystem lies with the primary producers, the unicellular phytoplankton that fix inorganic carbon (CO2 ) with the aid of sunlight (photosynthesis). The carbon, fixed in the form of glucose within the phytoplankton, is directed into various types of molecular components mainly combined with phosphorus and/or nitrogen, making up the building blocks of the phytoplankton cell These building blocks are protein, lipids and carbohydrates, and they are the nutritional foundation for the upper trophic levels in the marine environment, starting with the secondary producers, e.g., copepods and krill, controlling their growth, reproduction, fitness and survival. The starting point is the notion, taken from various studies, that different phytoplankton types offered as food for zooplankton differ greatly in their ability to support zooplankton growth and survival, ranging from being essentially non-nutritious to being excellent food [4,5,6,7] This suggested some important differences in phytoplankton chemistry that mattered for the nutritional needs of their consumers. I will present the results of a meta-analysis of fatty acid profiles in various phytoplankton groups and summarize which environmental parameters affect the biochemical pathways of fatty acid synthesis
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